Mission and Core Values

Harrisburg Academy's mission is directed at only one outcome: providing what is best for each student and what will enable him or her to achieve the best academic outcomes and preparation for success in life. Our focus, therefore, is each individual child. In every division from Early Childhood through Upper School, we seek to know each child — his or her motivations, passions, and aspirations. To that end, our focus has to be, and is, on the “whole child” and his or her academic, emotional, and social development. By understanding who each child is, we are best able to attune our instruction to help each child become more analytical, creative and innovative, and most importantly, to think critically.

Using the widely respected programs of the Responsive Classroom® approach (in Early Childhood and Lower School, our preschool and elementary school divisions) and Developmental Designs® (in Middle School), we help every child reach his or her potential. The highly regarded and successful mentoring of Upper School high school students by our faculty extends this kind of attention in a most age-appropriate manner. Our methods, as well as our school mission, are directed at this one philosophical tenet which guides Academy policies in every area. Be sure to read our Community Compact, as well, which serves as a three-way mutual agreement -- between teachers, students, and parents -- to uphold the guiding principles of our school.

Mission

Harrisburg Academy offers an academically challenging and globally minded interdisciplinary education. In our commitment to excellence, we provide tools, develop character, and teach skills that prepare students to thrive in college and beyond, thereby contributing to the betterment of our global and local communities.

Core Values

We set the standard for academic excellence in Southcentral Pennsylvania by nurturing students' and teachers' curiosity and love of learning, using the most proven teaching methods and technologies, and providing opportunities for professional development for our faculty and staff.

We foster creative and critical thinking, global awareness, and leadership to prepare students for lifelong learning and success.

We promote positive character development that values diversity, respect, mutual support, integrity, a strong sense of self-worth, and hard work.

We aspire to know our students as individuals and to provide a community in which they can reach their full potential while feeling safe as they grow intellectually, socially, physically, and emotionally.

We recognize that to create the enriching and supportive environment needed to achieve our mission, we must partner with students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff members, trustees, and the greater Harrisburg community.